Baggies’ loan target says a fond farewell
ALBION signing-in-waiting Ali Gabr has been saying his goodbyes to his Zamalek team-mates.
The Egyptian international defender is set to become the Baggies’ first signing of the window, moving on loan until the end of the season when a permanent deal will be decided.
Gabr’s team-mate and fellow international, Mohamed Ibrahim, took to Instagram to wish his friend the very best with a message which translates to: “Mabrouk (meaning ‘blessed’), Minister (his nickname is the ‘Minister of Defence’), and in progress always, my beloved.”
Zamalek chairman Mortada Mansour recently revealed a deal had been agreed with Albion.
“We initially received an offer for €200,000 that was raised to €300,000 and lately reached €500,000,” he said.
“If West Brom decided to buy the player they will only pay €2.5 million.”
Gabr is the compatriot and friend of Ahmed Hegazi, who has proven to be a shrewd signing for the club.
Albion’s hopes of signing Fulham captain Tom Cairney appear to be slim.
Pardew is believed to have made a £12 million bid for the midfielder, although sources close to The Cottagers have played it down. He is now odds-on to stay at Craven Cottage this winter, with Fulham insisting no bid has been received and that no key players will be leaving this month.
Fans’ favourite Claudio Yacob could be on his way out of West Brom – but won’t be returning to Argentina. Reports over the weekend suggested the popular midfielder was being lined up for a move back home.
Racing Club, where Yacob started his career before leaving for the Baggies in 2012, was touted as the most likely destination.
While Albion are open to offers for the 30-year-old, it is understood Argentina is not a viable option. It’s thought clubs in his homeland would not be able to afford Yacob’s reported £40,000-a-week salary.